Wicklow Voice December 31 2015

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As 1916 centenary dawns we have much to be thankful for Comment

AS we head into a new and historic year, it is time to reflect on ourselves as a nation.

Life may not be perfect, but here in County Wicklow we have a great deal to be grateful for and much to look forward to in the coming year.

Of course, 2016 marks the centenary of the Easter Rising and the birth of the nation and the Garden County have commemorative events planned throughout the year.

From historical festivals and re-enactments to book publications, drama and imagination, the Wicklow County Council 2016 Steering Committee will mark the events of Easter 1916 in a respectful and inclusive manner.

The upcoming general election will have many looking back to the leaders of 1916 and wondering who, if any, among the candidates embodies the spirit of the brave men and women who risked and gave their lives for the hope of a better Ireland.

Once we have weathered the election campaigns, we can look forward to a thrilling summer of sport with both the Euros and Rio 2016 taking place, while there are plenty of Wicklow connections in our international rugby team who are chasing their third Six Nations Championship in a row.

Bray’s very own Darren Randolph will be hoping to feature heavily in our European campaign in France after he played a vital role in securing our place in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Fionnuala McCormack (Britton) and Katie Taylor will be representing county and country at the Olympics in Rio this August.

Hopefully, Bray-based Garda Adam Nolan will be joining them in Brazil, among others.

These athletes, along with the rest of Team Ireland are an inspiring reminder of the greatness found in this country.

This year, let’s look to the future without forgetting where we have come from.

Rainbow on the horizon? p11

Bruce showing some affection for Saoirse O’Reilly of Dominican College Wicklow who has entered the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2016 with her project The Nose Knows. Pic: Iain White/Fennell Photography » Lots more pictures from around the county inside

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from all the Management and Staff at The Royal Hotel.

Unit 8, Radio Centre , Killarney Road, Bray

04| NEWS news in brief €50k Jackpot Christmas came early for one Wicklow resident when they landed a €50,000 jackpot.

The winner struck it lucky in a December Prize Bond Draw with a bond purchased in 2013.

Painter’s Palette The Painter’s Palette group show will be held in the Signal Arts Centre, Bray from January 4 until 17.

The group of featured artists meet weekly under the guidance of Bray artist Connall McCabe.

Th exhibition features a mix of diverse works from portraiture to abstract.

The opening reception will take place on January 8 from 7pm-9pm.

Zrazy Zrazy are ready to kick off 2016 with the release of their first album in ten years, The Art of Happy Accidents.

As part of the tour to support the album, the duo will play Hot Spot Music Club, Greystones on January 2 at 9pm.

Tickets are €10 or 12 on the door.

Providing financial services to our members for over 50 years

wicklowvoice.ie New Year Sales edition

Tourism set to soar for 2016 events in Wicklow

By Michelle McGlynn Ol’ Danny boy is full of surprises as The Corona’s frontman paid a visit to Bray recently.

Music fans in Bray were treated to an intimate gig by Danny when he dropped in to the newly opened McGettigan’s bar.

The bar was packed as the singer took to the stage to perform some of The Corona’s biggest hits as well as a couple of covers during his solo show. The crowd were loving every minute, belting out the songs alongside the popular singer with a cover of Mic Christopher’s Hey Day turning into a proper sing-along.

Even football superstar Stephanie Roche was there to catch a couple of tunes - and pose for a photo.

Having just returned from shows in Australia and Dubai, Danny stopped off in the Garden County before heading on to Belfast where The Corona’s continued their tour the following night.

Although, the rock star chose to head home early rather than party into the early hours so he would be in top form for the Belfast gig.

Although the frontman has expressed an interest in doing solo projects, he says he’s in no rush to leave the band.

Of course, Danny is no stranger to Bray as he previously dated our own Laura Whitmore on-and-off for over two years. Recently, it has been reported that he is dating former Miss Ireland and model, Holly Carpenter.

By Michelle McGlynn

Danny drops in as our Steph stuns

Bray Credit Union Supporting Children’s Sports Clubs Bray Credit Union are inviting local sports clubs under 16’s to apply for funding for sports kits

Application forms are available online at braycu.ie or pick up a form in our banking hall.

Closing date for all applications: 12th January 2016

Sports Clubs applying must be: · Appropriately registered and affiliated · Proven track record · Participate yearly in Bray’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Terms and conditions apply. Under 16’s sports club must be registered and affiliated.

Bray Credit Union logo will be printed on all sports kits, while we hope to facilitate all our applicants, this may not be feasible. The decision by the Board is final.

Apply today!

www.braycu.ie

Credit Union House, Main Street, Bray, Co. Wicklow T: 01 286 2624 E: info@braycu.ie BRAY CREDIT UNION IS REGULATED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND

Founded 1964

County mourns Kavanagh

By Michelle McGlynn

The Wicklow Voice team would like to extend our deepest condolences to Pat Kavanagh’s family and friends.

The county has lost a wonderful representative and an advocate for the people.

Hundreds of people came together at St Patrick’s church, Wicklow Town to mourn the councillor when she was laid to rest on December 19.

Pat was born and raised in Wicklow Town and worked tirelessly for its people during her time as a councillor.

Animal welfare was a cause close to Pat’s heart. As a founding member of Chance, a dog rescue organisation, she ensured that there was a place for dogs to go where they would have the opportunity to find a new home. A trained child worker, Pat spent many years caring for children and fostered numerous children on a long and short term basis.

Pat will be missed by people in the county and beyond but her dedication to improving the lives of those around her ensures that she will not be forgotten.

It has been a banner year for Wicklow tourism according to the latest figures.

This is positive news as we head into 2016, the centenary of the Easter Rising, with celebrations expected to be a massive draw for tourists.

A new report has shown that 90% of hotels and guesthouses have seen the number of visitors increase in 2015.

This is largely due to the 13% increase in overseas visitors to Ireland in the past 12 months with significant growth in key markets such as North America, Britain and the rest of Europe.

Domestic tourism has also experienced a surge in numbers as consumer confidence begins to grow.

This steady growth in the county’s tourism industry is vital to our economy as tourism currently supports 10,400 jobs in Wicklow and contributes €115 million to the local economy.

There has been significant job growth in the sector in 2015 and it is hoped that this will continue into 2016.

“Confidence among hoteliers continues to improve as the recovery in tourism strengthens,” said Brian McNamara, Chair of the Wicklow Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

“Irish tourism has performed strongly throughout the year and we are now approaching a record-breaking eight million

overseas visitors for 2015. This is an enormous achievement.”

The increase in visitors to the county is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those working in the industry in the Garden County, according to Mr McNamara.

“Next year looks set to deliver further growth across our key markets such as Britain, North America and Europe providing a further boost to the local tourism sector here in Wicklow,” predicts Mr McNamara.

However, there are issues and challenges that need to be addressed in order to move forward.

Mr McNamara identifies cost competitiveness and the increasing cost of doing business in Ireland as serious challenges to tourism.

Government initiatives and investment in the industry have been praised by the IHF but Mr McNamara says that hotels in Wicklow are still several years from sustainability because the current growth in revenue is from a low revenue base following the economic downturn.

Meanwhile, there are some Wicklow figures and businesses who have questioned the Ireland’s Ancient East initiative which aims to attract overseas tourists to Wicklow and other key locations along the East Coast.

Some have criticised the lack of funding allocated to Wicklow in comparison to other counties.

Auctioneers wanted

An Irish property auction company have put a call out for applications from Wicklow emigrants.

IAM SOLD, who operate Leinster Property Auctions, have launched a campaign to hire 12 new auctioneers in the coming months. Jobs are being offered at home but also focusing on property graduates

who have moved abroad by offering initial interviews via Skype for those living abroad.

“We are looking forward to our busiest year to date in 2016 and we are welcoming property graduates back to Ireland to take up positions within our company,” said Patrick Folan from IAM SOLD. CV’s can be sent to enquiries@iam-sold.ie

NEWS |05

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wicklow people in pictures

Pictured at La Touche Barbers, Greystones first birthday celebrations are owners Ginta Dubro and Jolita Uzpalyte. Pic by John Mc Gowan

Cllr John Ryan, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council with Luca Nolan at the 11th annual Christmas decoration competition in County Buildings

Wicklow’s Ballyguile, Broadlough and Hillview (BBH) Knit and Stitch club have spent the past few months making some colourful, warm scarves to donate to the homeless. Pictured is the BBH team as they enjoyed a trip to see Ballet Ireland’s Coppélia at the Mermaid Arts Centre to celebrate the completion of their project. The Christmas treat was kindly sponsored by Wicklow and District Lion’s Club

Pictured are Marie Fogarty and Carmel Robinson from the Purple House Boutique, Bray. Pic by Oisin McFarland Smith

Pictured are members of Annacurra National School, Aughrim who recently recorded a CD single, A Christmas Carol with Annacurra N.S. The single features students singing O Holy Night with talented tenor Michael Flood (centre) Pic by Eugene Whelan, East Coast Video Productions.

Pictured is Alan Jordan from Aunty Nellie’s sweet shop. Pic by Oisin McFarland Smith

Rosin, Daniel and Aisling Swanton Gemell pictured at the Wicklow Together fundraiser recently.

Pic by Ceaneacht O Hoctun

06| NEWS news in brief Bray Coastcare

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greystones’ wonder wall

Bray Coastcare Group will hold their first monthly cleanup of 2016 on January 9 from 12pm-3pm.

Anyone who wishes to help can join the effort by meeting the group at Raheen Car Park, below Bray Head. The group are hoping to improve on the great progress that has been made over the past 12 months.

Book sale First Saturday Book Sale will take place in Shankill Old Folks Association Centre, Lower Road on January 2 from 10am1pm.

Donations of books are welcome on the day and proceeds will support Shankill Old Folks Association and Meals on Wheels.

1916 calendar Rod Coyne has created a unique and original series of portraits remembering the faces of Easter 1916.

The portraits have been combined to create the 1916 Centenary calendar which is available for €20 from Avoca Studio Gallery or at avocagallery.com.

By Michelle McGlynn A local artist has captured all the beauty of Greystones in one beautiful mural which is set to be unveiled in the coming days.

Artist in residence, Irina Kuksova, will see her stunning work officially launched on Theatre Lane where it was carefully installed in December. Irina spent a total of 340 hours creating her representation of “a perfect

sunny day in Greystones”.

The impressive work features a host of beaming characters - some imagined, some real life residents - all enjoying the seaside town on a bright, sunny day.

The mural captures the warmth and sense of community found in the town of Greystones.

The bright and cheerful artwork, commissioned by Ross McParland, is now a part of the rejuvenated Theatre Lane

in the town’s centre. Russianborn, Italian-trained and Ireland-based Irina is a wellknown artist who first made her name with her classic car series, followed by the Irish Seaside Ladies series.

Irina’s work also extends to film and television and her credits include Vikings, Ripper Street and recent RTE drama, Charlie. Visit Theatre Lane today and enjoy this beautiful representation of Greystones.

Mrs Mooney bids farewell after 60 years

By Michelle McGlynn

When she first stepped behind the counter, John A Costello was Taoiseach, Eisenhower was US President and TV was still black and white - if you had one.

But on Christmas Eve, Bridie Mooney stood behind the counter of Mooney and Sons for the last time.

It was the end of an era, not just for Bridie and her family, but for the community of Greystones who have bought their sweets and newspapers from the store for generations.

A Greystones institution, everyone in the town has their own fond memories to share of Bridie and the friendly conversation that came with every purchase.

Many of them took the time to share their stories following

Bridie Mooney (86), daughter Aine and grandson Tadhg (11) 86-year-old Bridie’s announcement on the store’s Facebook page that she had made the decision to retire, closing her doors on Christmas Eve. There was an immediate outpouring of support, well-wishes and gratitude.

Speaking to the Wicklow Voice, Bridie said, “I want to thank my customers for all of their support over the years.”

Those who will miss their

daily chats with Bridie have been assured that they will still see plenty of one of Greystones most beloved residents. She will still be at mass after all.

As for Bridie, she plans to take some time for herself and spend time with family, with a trip to visit a nephew in Australia on the cards. After ringing up the last sale, she enjoyed a well deserved Jameson. Cheers, Bridie!

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08| NEWS news in brief Champ for change

wicklowvoice.ie New Year Sales edition

‘All those involved should know that they have made an incredible difference to someone this Christmas’

Do you know someone who makes a big difference in your community and deserves recognition?

Wicklow residents are being asked to nominate their Champion for Change with the winner receiving €1,000 towards the community project of their choice.

To nominate visit FBD’s Champions for Change Facebook page.

Kilmac History Soc The first 2016 meeting of Kilmacanogue History Society takes place on January 12 in the Glenview Hotel at a new, earlier time of 8pm.

The speaker will be the well known author and bird expert, Eric Dempsey, speaking on the topic of Birds in Wicklow and Ireland. All welcome, admission is €3 or €2 for members

Student volunteer DCU have launched a student initiative in the Leinster region to connect students with organisations requiring volunteer assistance.

For more information visit studentvolunteer.ie.

Record year for Give a gift

Anne Kennedy, Claire Darmody and Ryan O’Neill of East Coast FM with some of the gifts received at the station. Pic by Mick Kelly

By Michelle McGlynn The East Coast FM/St Vincent de Paul Gift a Gift campaign has received a record number of donations this year.

The generosity shown by people across the county has surpassed the previous seven years of the Christmas campaign.

Last year the number of presents donated to families in need soared - almost tripling the year before - so to have improved on this again is a testament to the spirit of the Wicklow community.

“This has definitely been our best year to date,” Claire Darmody, who organises the campaign each year, told the Wicklow Voice. “We had to begin distribution early because the East Coast studios were jammed with gifts.”

The demand on services

provided by St Vincent de Paul (SVP) Wicklow has increased over the past number of years as families continue to face hardship despite a reported upturn in the economy.

Thankfully, the generous response of Wicklow residents has increased with it.

“I think that when people hear about the work that SVP Wicklow do all year round, people are compelled to give,” said Claire. The number of individuals who donated this year is staggering but there was one person in particular who deserves a special mention.

Aoise-Leigh Rooney (6) from Wicklow Town was the lucky winner of a brand new bike at her school, Wicklow Educate Together NS. The kind-hearted girl decided that since she already had a bike of her own, she would give the new bike to a child who didn’t have one.

“We would like to say a big thank you to Aoise-Leigh for her heartwarming gesture and of course everybody else who has made this possible - those who donated, the people who took in donations across the county, and the SVP Wicklow volunteers who distributed gifts.

“All those involved should know that they have made an incredible difference to someone this Christmas.”

Unlike other campaigns, the presents that were donated were distributed in the area that the donation was made.

There are also a limited number of The Wicklow Calendar available for those who would like to contribute to SVP Wicklow.

The money goes to the East Coast FM Coffee Morning 2016 fund with the event taking place on April 8. See www.eastcoast.fm for more.

€196,000 for animal welfare

By Michelle McGlynn

Animal welfare organisations across the county have been awarded funding of €196,000 for 2016.

The announcement has been welcomed by the organisations as they struggle to keep up with the demand placed on their services. Their workload has increased following new

legislation requiring dog sto be microchipped from March 31, 2016.

Specific funding has been allocated for initiatives and projects around micro-chipping.

This is the fifth consecutive year that funding for animal welfare organisations has been increased.

The Wicklow organisations who will benefit from the

funding announcement are: Animal Sanctuary Hubasha, Kiltegan; Aughrim Cat Rescue; Cat Concern Wicklow, Greystones; Greystones Kitty Hostel; Irish Horse Protection League, Blessington; Irish Horse Welfare Trust, Arklow; Kildare and West Wicklow SPCA, Kilcullen; Traveller Animal Welfare, Rathdrum and Wicklow SPCA, Rathdrum.

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10 | OPINION

opinion&comment

Not everyone is benefitting from upturn

A

s we approach the end of 2015 there is a lot of attention being paid to the improved economic indicators and that is very welcome. However there are still thousands of families who are not seeing this economic improvement translated into a real benefit. These are families who experienced a major reduction in income and services through the austerity years.

SVP members around Ireland are finding that many people are still feeling the impact of job losses and wage cuts and cumulative welfare and service cuts.

The impact of poverty on their lives and wellbeing has eroded their ability to ‘get by’.

During 2015 the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) continued to receive a very alarming level of requests for help.

Calls for assistance are still triple what they were in 2009. Last month alone the Society’s East Region office, which covers Wicklow, Dublin and Kildare, received approximately 10,000 calls which is an increase of 7% on the same period last year. Similar trends are being experienced in different parts of the country.

Most of those who seek SVP help are struggling week in and week out on a basic minimum income, either from state payments or from low-paid employment. It is when they encounter an unexpected cost or a period when additional expenditure occurs that they critically need SVP. The Society seeks to help people over a hard time in their lives and sometimes that is sufficient to ensure that they don’t slip into long-term poverty.

SVP now spends an average of €40m per year in direct assistance which is primarily on food, energy, education, clothing and furniture.

The rise in homelessness among families has been one of the most alarming developments in 2015 when the number of families made homeless escalated. In Dublin alone there are now almost three times the number of families homeless than there were in 2014. In June 2014 there were 346 adults and 567 dependents homeless in Dublin. By October this year the figures had jumped to 916 adults and 1,425 dependents.

Placing homeless families in hotels and B&Bs is unacceptable and inappropriate.

Being confined to a hotel room puts a huge burden on families in terms of normal living conditions. While bed and breakfast is provided the families have to rely on take-away food for other meals and have difficulty in getting children to and from schools. There are also issues around child

welfare. It is completely inappropriate to have children living and moving around in a hotel environment for an extended period.

The families visited and supported by SVP volunteers also worry about the uncertainty of not knowing when they will have to move – often at short notice. Some families have been in a hotel for up to six months while others are moved from hotel to hotel more frequently.

Most families now in hotels and B&Bs, visited by SVP volunteers are in emergency accommodation directly because of huge rent increases in the private rental sector.

There needs to be an immediate increase in Rent Supplement limits to realistic levels as a temporary preventative measure to homelessness. The use of countyby-county limits should be reviewed, as housing markets do not necessarily conform to county or local authority boundaries.

Rental increases in areas such as Wicklow, North Kildare, and parts of Meath and other commuter belt areas around Dublin are particularly worrying as the maximum rent supplement limits in these areas are much lower than in Dublin and actual rents, which is increasing to an unsustainable level where it cannot be. We The problems with Rent Supplement and the recently introduced Housing Assistance Payment are compounded by the dire lack of social housing units available. Despite assurances by Government of 35,000 new units by 2020. SVP is concerned, not only that the targets will not be met, but also that the new supply will not meet the level of housing need in Ireland.

The number of people sleeping rough and accessing hostels is also increasing.

SVP currently provides services to over 300 people experiencing homelessness on a nightly basis through emergency homeless services. These services are used to full capacity and in some larger urban areas are at 110% capacity.

Our worry is that the issue of homelessness will continue to be a major problem through 2016 adding to the pressure on charities such as SVP who are working to provide assistance and support to the individuals and families so deeply affected.

John McCafferty is Head of Social Justice and Policy with the Society of St Vincent de Paul. See www.svp.ie to seek help, donate or volunteer.

“T Quote of the week:

Good resolutions are simply cheques that men draw on banks where they have no account oscar wilde

Tweets of the week

Rory Cashin @roarEcashin “Just watched #Joy and it really made me want to go home and up my mop game.”

Conor Pope @conor_pope “Snow on the way? If RTE don’t have Teresa Mannion deliver an outside broadcast from an ice rink on skates I’ll be very sad.”

Jedward @PlanetJedward “Back in the 90s when you said do you wanna see how big my snake is people got it nowadays they just think you talking about something else” Amy Huberman @amyhuberman “‘My husband finds it adorable* and charming* when I ask “who’s this guy?” after missing a few episodes of a series. *infuriating *not charming”

have you got something to say? if you would like to write on this page, then contact us e: info@ wicklowvoice.ie w: www. wicklowvoice.ie

with John-Mark McCafferty with Pat Ó Súilleabháin

Bray Tourism has nothing to hide ourism is critical to a healthy inflow of revenue to the town as well as being the source of significant employment. So when we hear Fáilte Ireland tell us that the volume of overseas visitors is up by 12% on last year, it is reasonable to assume that Bray will get it share of those visitors. But just because the cake got a bit bigger, it doesn’t automatically follow that we get a bigger slice. Yet I think that we take it for granted that a bigger slice is what we will get (because everybody knows how great Bray is!).

Bray as a tourist destination is great because, behind the scenes a number of very important things happen: • Tourism providers effectively market their product in the local, national and international market • These providers innovate and keep the experiences they offer fresh to get repeat visitors as well as new visitors • Bray Municipal District and Wicklow County Council recognise the importance of tourism But as important, there is an organisation dedicated to promoting the town and its amazing tourism experiences: that organisation is Bray Tourism. So, when recently in the local press and on social media there were questions about what Bray Tourism was and what it did, I realised that because Bray Tourism does not go around promoting itself and its achievements, then perhaps people might not appreciate its importance and value to this sector of the local economy.

Bray Tourism was established in 1996 with the aim of promoting Bray as a tourist destination. Its Board of Directors (all voluntary) was made up from representatives from the council (Town Clerk and a Councillor), the Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, Bray Tidy Towns, as well as members from the tourism sector itself. It initially received €15,000 a year to fund its marketing activities (though in later years that sum was reduced to €10,000 per annum).

Initially, the Board commissioned and printed brochures and leaflets for distribution through the Tourist office, as well as providing support for a number of ad-hoc marketing initiatives and the acquisition of braytourism.ie.

Then in 2010, Bray Tourism took over responsibility for the staffing and running of the Tourist Office (with the associated costs being covered by Bray Town Council) when the Council, under the then public sector recruitment embargo, could no longer do so. It was around that

time that the Board decided that Bray Tourism needed to provide more strategic leadership.

Arising out of that, there was significant input into the tourism pillar of the Bray Economic Think Tank; also a study into the development of a destination plan was commissioned and a clear marketing strategy was rolled out.

So in the past number of years, the directors and staff of Bray Tourism have: • Run the Tourist Office • Managed tourism content of Bray.ie • Promoted Bray as a destination online, at Holiday World in Belfast, at Meinfrankenmesse in Wurtzburg, through design, production and distribution of leaflets and brochures, through liaison with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Wicklow County Tourism • Support for Bray Jazz Festival, Groove Festival, Summerfest • Support for Bray Purple Flag • Provided seasonal employment for additional litter-pickers to keep the seafront as clean as possible • Run networking events for the trade • Provided work experience opportunities for tourism students (both Irish and International) • Provided input into the tourism pillar of the Wicklow Economic Think Tank • Run training courses in customer service (with assistance from Fáilte Ireland) It is the above activities which, when combined with the quality of the tourism product in Bray, that differentiates us from our competitors and allows us to grow the tourism economy of the town.

The additional benefits are obviously greater employment, but also the provision of world-class attractions, activities, entertainment and food and drink for the residents of Bray and Wicklow.

And at a time when it is popular to take pot-shots at the local authorities, I believe that it is important to recognise the huge contribution of the officials and elected representatives of Bray who, over the years, have seen the importance of tourism and have invested in it accordingly.

Pat Ó Súilleabháin is General Manager of National Sea Life Centrein Bray and a Director of Bray Tourism.

Its Board of Directors are all voluntary

OPINION| 11

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Challenge mental health stigma

T

here’s the old cliché of the hangover after the party. That low after the high. For a lot of us that’s what January feels like. It can be a bleak and dark month given the dull weather and the highs – or anti-climax – of the Christmas season.

In January we all feel a little rawer and a little more hard on ourselves as we are bombarded with media and advertising telling us to ‘improve ourselves’ over the year ahead and pushing us to find the ‘new you’.

With us all that little bit more susceptible to a period of ill mental health in January it is worth reminding ourselves collectively that it is all right not to feel okay, and that it is healthy and even necessary for us to be able to talk to each other about out mental health should we feel the need to.

Yet in Ireland for decades, even generations, that hasn’t always been the case. Even today many are reluctant to discuss mental health.

They feel it to be a sign of weakness to tell someone that they are depressed. They think that others will look at them differently if they tell them they are feeling low.

A stigma exists and the only way to defeat that prejudice is

Steve Cummins to challenge it by encouraging people to talk about mental health.

It was out of the need to eradicate such prejudice and shame that the First Fortnight charity was founded in 2009.

Every January, a group of volunteers come together to put on the First Fortnight mental health arts festival, which takes place in Dublin and various venues nationwide over the first two weeks of the year.

This year First Fortnight will stage three events in Wicklow at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray.

The initial goal was to challenge mental health stigma by staging arts events, such as plays, films, poetry and music.

We wanted to use the arts to create a space where people could discuss mental health in an environment where they felt comfortable to do so. We drew our inspiration from MTV’s social campaigns of the mid-

Congratulations to CPA Ireland Conferee Marielle Zeller, Blessington, Wicklow, who was the proud recipient of a CPA Ireland Award for her academic achievements. Pictured are (l-r) Paul Heaney, Director Education & Training, CPA Ireland, Ann Donegan, Griffith College Dublin, Marielle Zeller, Blessington, Wicklow and Justin O’Gorman, JDM Group prize sponsor.

Pic by Iain White/Fennell Photography 1990s. From ‘free your mind’ to their slick safe sex ads, these campaigns never instructed us as to what to do, but rather they enticed us to do the healthy or right thing. First Fortnight takes a similar approach.

Every year, First Fortnight sets about putting together a programme of high calibre arts events designed to capture people’s imagination.

We chose the first two weeks of the year because, not only is it a time when many of us feel

more vulnerable, but it is also a period when we are more open to making a change for the better.

Mental health awareness is not our goal. We have never wanted people to become more aware of the types of mental health illnesses.

Instead, we want to raise people’s awareness of how silent they are when the issue of mental health is brought up.

Our goal is to change social attitudes through challenging the

prejudicial actions that maintain the social stigma of mental ill health.

The only way to break this stigma is to create an environment where talking about mental health is normal. You can’t foist that upon people, but you can create a space where that conversation might naturally occur.

The arts world is a perfect foil for this. It is a world naturally designed to incite and inspire.

Great art provokes great de-

promised the position we are in today when they took power in 2011 we would probably have shook hands on the deal.

Fianna Fail don’t seem to have made inroads in the polls, despite significant reforms in their party structure and despite delivering a socially and fiscally aware brand of opposition during the lifetime of the current government.

This translates as the people feeling they need another term out of power to excorcise the damage done in the final years of their previous administration before they may be considered for office again.

Michael Martin is doing a good job but will he survive as leader if some gains of seats are not won compared to 2011?

Therein lies the rub.

Fine Gael and Labour have probably earned a second term.

If they get it and do well do we

stick with them for a third term?

Fianna Fail were in for three terms and it was too long, they lost the plot.

Is two terms a happy medium, provided the administration is doing well?

On this analysis also then it would suggest a maintaining of the status quo will serve us best in 2016.

What about Sinn Fein? A series of potentially damaging stories (most recently the Thomas ‘Slab’ Murphy tax case) has done little to damage them in the polls.

Have they been damaged in that they could be higher up and challenging for power if these revelations hadn’t materialised?

Or have they as a party inherited some of that teflon that Bertie Ahern used to have as Taoiseach?

Sinn Fein look like being returned as the leading party in

opposition after the next election.

Is some of this a Fianna Fail vote being invested elsewhere temporarily?

If Fine Gael and Labour are returned this time but the people want a change the time after that, will Sinn Fein do so well or will votes return to Fianna Fail?

The newer parties (Social Democrats and Renua Ireland) haven’t made too much of an impression in the polls but this isn’t to say that once the campaign starts they won’t gather momentum.

In reality though they will probably be glad to win enough seats to justify their formation, and establish a platform they can build on into the 2020’s.

It’s possible one of them could hold the balance of power if the government comes up just short and can’t find enough

bate. Great mental health-related art has the opportunity to provoke mental health debate and begin a conversation that might not otherwise occur.

Every year the festival has swelled in terms of the number of events staged (52 this year) and the number of volunteers that have joined us.

We never fail to be heartened and inspired by the reaction and support of our partners, the media, our volunteer base and the general public who, through their attendance and engagement at events, encourage us that the issue is one worth pursuing.

Mental health is an issue affects us all. We all have our own personal experience or that of someone close to us who has experienced a period of ill mental health.

We can find common ground in the arts and a way to converse.

Hopefully, First Fortnight helps acts as that conversation starter for our attendees in 2016.

Steve Cummins is a freelance journalist and a board member of First Fortnight, Ireland’s mental health arts festival. www.firstfortnight.ie.

See p13 for Wicklow events.

Will we see a rainbow in 2016?

T

he papers recently have featured a lot of political opinion polls, and they serve to remind us that once Christmas is over we as a county and a nation will have to focus on the important business of choosing our next government – the election is likely to be in the early spring.

The trends in the recent polls seem to suggest the current Fine Gael / Labour administration has more than a fair chance of being returned, barring anything nasty cropping up in the short term. Is this good?

On balance I don’t see why not. On the whole the government has done an adequate job of steering us through the choppy waters of recession and austerity and so probably deserves

Brian Quigley a shot at showing us what they can do in a more favourable economic climate.

Let’s not kid ourselves. A lot could have been done better (Irish Water, take a bow) and the difficult medicine they had to serve up to the nation could have been administered with a much more compassionate touch (alleged jokes about Garda station closures while rural crime rose, for example).

Overall though, if we had been

like-minded independents to get them over the line. Will we see another ‘rainbow’ coalition in that case, like the one John Bruton led between 1994 and 1997?

It’s all up for grabs and it’s up to us to play our part. Ask the tough questions of politicians at the door.

Don’t be swayed by promises or a few extra euros in your pocket.

Look for people with real vision, people who have something long-term to offer.

This will be the 2016 election after all, played out in the run-up to the anniversary of the 1916 Rising.

The martyrs involved there had vision, determination and bravery in abundance.

It would be a fitting tribute to them for us to look at electing a government that mirrored some of these qualities a century later.

1 2 3 4 5

12 | WHAT’S HOT

Beat the January blues So the parties are all over and it’s back to the office and the usual routine.

We all find ourselves feeling a bit bored and restless at this time of year but fear not because the Mermaid Arts Centre have got a wonderful series of events all this month to help you chase away those pesky January blues.

Brendan Balfe: Sorry We’re off the Air January 9, 8pm, €20/18 How did Terry Wogan inaugurate young announcers?

Why did the newsreader fall off the chair? What caused Larry Gogan to collapse in giggles? In his 50 years in broadcasting, Brendan has worked with all the greats.

His tales of Gay Byrne, Mike Murphy, Maurice O’Doherty, Dermot Morgan, and many others, steer just this side of the libel laws. Brendan not only tells hilarious stories, but also plays clips and bloopers.

Brooklyn January 4-6, €8//6.50/5 Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) moves from 1950s Ireland to Brooklyn, NY where there are better opportunities for her future. She finds love with handsome Italian-American Tony. But when a family tragedy sees her return to Ireland, she attracts attention from local bachelor Jim (Domhnall Gleeson). Faced with a dilemma, Eilis must decide where her future lies.

John B. Keane’s The Matchmaker January 16, 8pm, €20/18 The play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn from all parts of the country. At the centre of this celebrated production is John B Keane’s marvellous wit coupled by his unparalleled way with words.

The Matchmaker takes us back to a simpler time, when the only web was one left behind by spiders.

Après Match January 23, 8pm, €26/24 Ireland’s premier league comedy team is coming to play a home game in Bray.

Expect your favourite football pundits; Eamon Dunphy, Liam Brady and Kenny Cunningham and some other not so well loved characters including; George Hook, Joan Burton and many more.

To book tickets see mermaidartscentre.ie or the box office, Main Street, Bray.

wicklowvoice.ie New Year Sales edition

sale of the week Matt britton Oldcourt Industrial Estate, Boghall Road/ Albany Business Park, Kilcoole Industrial Estate, 01 2760021, mattbritton.ie This January, there is one sale you really don’t want to miss - Matt Britton Carpets. You will find amazing offers in-store this January with up to 50% off selected stock. Visit one of their stores today to avail of their spectacular offers before they’re all gone. Transform your home for the new year with one of the high quality flooring solutions on offer. At Matt Britton Carpets, services and products extend far beyond the simple purchase of your dream floor. From the first visit to their showroom to the installation of your new floor, there are experts on hand to offer their expertise every step of the way. At Matt Britton Carpets, they guarantee professionally crafted, competitively priced and perfectly installed carpets and flooring. Visit their showrooms to view the fantastic range on offer. Regardless of whether you know exactly what you’re looking for, or if you’re just looking, Matt Britton team members are happy to help.

Business of the week Nicky’s Village Market Main Street, Kilcoole, 01 2016871 If you’re determined to lead a healthier, happier life this year then Nicky’s Village Market can help you. Your one-stop-shop for healthy eating, Nicky’s offers top quality produce at fantastic prices. As well as selling the freshest fruit, vegetables, eggs and organic produce you can grab yourself a hot drink to warm up on a cold winter’s day or to give yourself a caffeine boost. Available for take-away or in store, they offer oat, soya or almond milk for those who require an alrernative to cow’s milk. Sit in and enjoy your drink with some of the delicious - and healthy - food available to order. The team do their best to tailor their store to your needs so if there’s something you can’t find, just give them a shout. With a wide variety of fresh, healthy foods avaialble and a great staff on hand to offer some helpful tips, there’s no reason why you can’t keep this new year’s resolution. Be sure to check out the beautiful plants in stock while you’re there.

book of the week Foster’s Historical Irish Oddities

By Allen Foster Strange, zany and at times downright baffling, Foster’s Historical Irish Oddities is a quirky compendium of true stories from all over Ireland. It is essential reading for anyone who loves to entertain friends and family with a good yarn or who needs further proof that Ireland is indeed a country with a unique cast of characters. From the Lismore man who rode to Fermoy in a tub pulled by a pig, a badger, two cats, a goose and a hedgehog, to the tornado that ripped through Limerick in 1851, Foster’s stories may not be found in the history books but they certainly provide an entertaining read. Some of the stories found include: the Wicklow terrier who brought down an eagle, the sleepwalker who fell fifteen feet without blowing out his candle in Tramore, the fortune discovered in a Belfast piano, once owned by destitute sisters and the Cashel man who insisted on being evicted while lying in his coffin.

TV SHOW of the week Sherlock: The Abominable Bride BBC One, January 1, 9pm Sherlock returns to Victorian London in this feature-length special. Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) find themselves in the London of 1895 in this feature-length special episode of the BBC’s international hit series. So what’s going on? As usual, the creators are playing

wedding fair of the week Ashdown Park Hotel The Coach Road, Gorey, Co Wexford, 053 9480500, January 10 Walk through the doors of the Ashdown Park Hotel and begin your forever.

The Waterford Crystal Chandelier overlooking the striking staircase provides a luxurious and captivating first impression that continues throughout. From a ceremony on their romantic Roof Terrace to a fabulous banquet in the elegant ballroom. Ashdown Park Hotel promise you the discreet personal attention and service that you deserve. Their dedicated banqueting team will tend to your guests every need throughout your wedding day. With all-inclusive wedding packages, award winning cuisine, a dedicated wedding team, one wedding per day, stunning ceremony locations and abundant photo opportunities, your day is sure to be one that will be remembered forever. Call the wedding team on 053 9430444 to arrange your personal wedding show around.

their cards close to their chests to avoid spoilers. The intriguing trailer hints darkly at ghosts from the past and great causes with martyrs, while revealing a gun-toting bride. It’s co-written

by Mark Gatiss and showrunner Steven Moffat, and all we know for certain is that the story is inspired by a throwaway reference to the case of Ricoletti of the club foot and his abominable wife in Arthur Conan Doyle’s story The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual.

6 7 8 9 10

WHAT’S HOT| 13

New Year Sales edition wicklowvoice.ie

MOVIE of the week Joy Gaiety Cinema, Arklow Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and David O Russell team up once again for this year’s award contender, Joy. J-Law stars in this inspirational true story of a woman who built a business empire. Burning with ambition, Joy (Lawrence) is ill served by those around her. Her parents (Robert De Niro, Virginia Madsen) are divorced and her husband (Edgar Ramirez) is a flake. Before long, she’s a single mother striking out alone as an inventor and entrepreneur. But success brings its own problems, not least the unwanted attention of criminals. Inspired by the true story of Joy Mangano, inventor of the Miracle Mop, director David O Russell has crafted a brilliant star vehicle for his current muse, Jennifer Lawrence.

Bradley Cooper joins the dream team once again following the success of both Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle. Cooper is cast as a Home Shopping Network executive who gives Joy’s career a boost. Unfolding over four generations, this is a deeply emotional story of family, love and ambition.

HOROSCOPES

Sports idea of the week Bray Credit Union supporting children’s sports clubs Credit Union House, Main Street, Bray, 01 2862624, braycu.ie Bray Credit Union are offering a wonderful opportunity to local sports clubs to help make 2016 a great one. They are inviting all local sports clubs that cater for under 16s to apply for funding to go towards sports kits. Sports clubs looking to apply must meet certain

criteria including proof that they are appropriately registered and affiliated, have a proven track record and each club must participate in Bray’s St Patrick’s Day Parade each year. Bray Credit Union are hoping to accommodate as many applications as possible. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity for your club and download the application from the Bray Credit Union website or pick one up in their banking hall today. All applications must be submitted by January 12 to be considered.

Festival of the week

Aries- This week is a 5 Meditate and stretch. Clarify your direction with friends.

It may feel like the world is on your shoulders. Talk with someone you trust.

Taurus- This week is a 7 Set your goals high, and believe it can be done. Check public opinion, and discuss what you see possible. Listen to what they want, and work together.

Gemini- This week is an 8 Career matters emerge for your consideration. Compete for more responsibilities over the next few days. Pass the test by preparing for it.

Cancer- This week is an 8 Travel and romance both look good. Reserve tickets early for best rates. Study your options, and schedule priorities.

First Fortnight Various locations, January 1-January 16, firstfortnight.ie First Fortnight is a charity-based organisation with the express aim of challenging mental health prejudice through creative arts. They believe that the arts allow us to create a space where people can talk about mental health issues. They hope this will then change people’s perception about an issue that affects everyone as one in four of us set to experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives. The festival is held over the first two weeks of the year as people can feel quite emotionally raw following Christmas and the New Year celebrations.

First Fortnight in Wicklow – screening of Brian Wilson biopic Love & Mercy, January 11, 8pm; Shared Remedies dance workshop, January 12, 6.30pm; Shared Remedies January 14, 8pm, all Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray.

Leo- This week is a 6 Go over the numbers in private with your partner. Check out an interesting suggestion. Discover something new. You’re gaining valuable resources.

Virgo- This week is a 7 Get into a fun project. A farfetched idea might work.

Imagine perfection, and get expert assistance. Focus on commonalities.

GIG of the week Bunoscionn The Harbour Bar, Bray seafront, January 2 Through friendship, sessions and copious amounts of tea, Bunoscionn was created - a musical love-child, mothered

by Irish folk music and fathered by dance/reggae/rock. Based in Ireland the band consists of five musicians brought together from jams, sessions and the craic to form a group rooted in the traditional but with one foot held firmly outside the box. With a diverse

Hobby of the week Bray Gospel Choir The Martello, Strand Road, Bray, January13, 7.30pm Bray Gospel Choir are inviting anybody with an interest in singing to come along for their open auditions. If you’re looking for a new hobby this year, then why not get in touch with your musical side while making new friends and participating in many community events. If you’re interested in joining then download your application by emailing braygospelchoir@gmail.com. Closer to the date, applicants will be given a specific time for their audition. At your audition you will be asked to sing a verse or two of your prepared song and some scales. Bray Gospel Choir perform a wide variety of songs including gospel, motown, soul, R&B, rock and pop. Don’t be shy, let your inner musician out this year with Bray Gospel Choir. In the meantime, check out their website braygospelchoir.ie.

range of vocals, instruments and styles, Bunoscionn can be found performing high energy shows at festivals and venues to fireside sessions in a pub and everything in between.

Bunoscionn started out in pubs but soon found themselves playing at some of the best festivals in Ireland including Electric Picnic, Spirit of Folk and Knockanstockan. All this while self recording their own EP of original compositions. Now you can catch their energetic set at the Harbour Bar.

Libra- This week is a 9 Checking tasks off your list feels satisfying. Rely on your schedule, to avoid dropping stuff out. The rules seem to change mid-game.

Scorpio- This week is an 8 Beauty surprises unexpectedly.

Love is in the air. Take time to play with family and friends.

Dress with style. A dream could be coming true.

Sagittarius- This week is a 7 Necessity requires creativity.

Get into the planning. Arrange safer storage. The two of you can solve anything. Combine two old ideas into one new.

Capricorn- This week is an 8 Bargain for what you want.

Negotiate and wrangle the best price. Haggle with grace and humor. With creativity, you can realise a dream.

Aquarius- This week is a 9 Take a deep breath and jump in.

Stick to your budget. The piper will have to be paid, and soon.

Believe in your team.

Pisces- This week is a 7 Conditions are changing in your favour. Action depends on your will power. Take charge. You’re ready to make changes. You can have what you go for.

14 | ADVERTISING

wicklowvoice.ie New Year Sales edition

New Year Sales edition wicklowvoice.ie

ADVERTISING | 15 STARTS MONDAY 11TH JANUARY 2016!

Try it out for yourself every Monday at our weekly Steak Night!

FOR 2 PEOPLE 12oz Striploin Steak or Irish Angus Rib-Eye with homemade peppercorn sauce & our famous fries!

Not a steak lover? No problem!

You can choose from any of the delicious main course dishes on our menu.

Royal Hotel, Main Street, Bray, Co. Wicklow.

T: +353 1 286 2935 E: bray@mcgettigans.com www.mcgettigans.com

16| ADVERTISING

wicklowvoice.ie New Year Sales edition

Icelandic Wildlife, Falls & Hot Springs Cruise FRE & G E DRIN KS RA Save TUITIES per €440 co Lim uple Ava ited ilab ility

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Olsen Balmoral based on 2 sharing an Inside cabin  Superb dining on a full board basis  Entertainment on board  Taxes, charges and one 15kg check-in bag pp Single Supplement €1,530

Cruise Itinerary • Reykjavik, Iceland (Overnight) • Isafjordur, Iceland • Cruising Haelavikurbjarg, Hornbjarg, & Drangaskord • Akureyri • Crossing the Arctic Circle, Cruising Grimsey and Skjalfandi Bay • Cruising Borgarfjordur Eystri • Faroe Islands • And much more...

Upgrade to Oceanview Cabin Only €350 pp

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Email: book@cruisescapes.ie

Visit us at Cruisescapes, Suite 30, The Hyde Building, The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin 18

Holidays organised by Cruisescapes, licensed and bonded by CAR (T.A. 0348), whose booking conditions apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability.

A non-refundable deposit of 15% pp is required at time of booking. Optional insurance of €31 available, conditions apply. There is a 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit card. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive offers by sms or email. We will not give your data to other companies without your permission; please let us know if you are happy for us to do so.

Visit www.cruisescapes.ie for more fantastic cruise packages.

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Ideal Christmas Gift Idea Dubrovnik Delights 7 nights from only €669 pps May to October 2016

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Visit us at Travelescapes, Suite 30, The Hyde Building, The Park, Carrickmines, Dublin

These Great Breaks Include:  Return direct Aer Lingus flights Dublin – Dubrovnik  Transfers on luxury coaches throughout  7 nights in Croatia, staying in the 3 Star Club Valamar Hotel based on 2 sharing  Meals on a full board basis  Drinks included with meals  Half Day Tour of Dubrovnik  Full Day Tour to Montenegro  The services of a tour manager  Taxes, charges and a check-in bag of 15kg per person

Visit: www.travelescapes.ie Email: book@travelescapes.ie

Holidays organised by Travelescapes, licensed and bonded by CAR (T.A. 0348), whose booking conditions apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. A non-refundable deposit of €100 pp is required at time of booking. Optional insurance of €25 available, conditions apply. There is a 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit card. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive offers by sms or email. We will not give your data to other companies without your permission; please let us know if you are happy for us to do so. Visit www.travelescapes.ie for more fantastic holiday packages.

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NEWS|17

New Year Sales edition wicklowvoice.ie

Top marks as 19 local businesses receive management certificates

Hats off to the graduates Main pic: The LEO Wicklow Management Development Programme certificate graduates. Inset left: Mette O Connor and Eric Dempsey. Inset right: Nathan Reilly and Joe O Sullivan. Photos by Roger Kenny

By Michelle McGlynn It was a proud day for 19 Wicklow business owners as they graduated from the prestigious Management Development Programme (MDP).

Their achievement was recognised by the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow (LEO Wicklow) at a ceremony held at the Glenview Hotel on December 17.

Graduates were presented with certificates by CEO of Wicklow County Council, Bryan Doyle, Head of Lifelong Learning at IT Carlow, Denis O’Brien and Head of Enterprise at LEO

Wicklow, Sheelagh Daly. Bryan Doyle commended Sheelagh Daly, Louise Fleming and the entire team at LEO Wicklow for providing a high level business skills training programme.

Mr Doyle said that the programme is having an impact on the turnover, profitability and job creation in the local SMEs that take part.

These thoughts were echoed by the graduates who expressed their gratitude to those involved and described their regular meetings following the course as a huge support to them as individuals and to their businesses.

Members of the current MDP

were in attendance on the day and will join the previous group in the peer-to-peer meetings of motivated, confident and growth-orientated local business owners.

LEO Wicklow organise the programme each year to provide experienced business owners the opportunity to rethink their business strategies, examine their pricing and profitability and discover how to grow their business.

The MDP is led by trainer and facilitator Blaise Brosnan and is accredited at Level 7 on the national framework of qualifications by the Institute of Technology Carlow.

Mark Wilson, Wilson Security; Ruth Donnelly, Alpha CC; Clodagh Doyle, Placelift and Patricia McKay, Kilcroney Furniture.

18 | ADVERTISING wicklowvoice.ie New Year Sales edition WICKLOW LOCAL

Times

XX

GREEN CHRISTMAS

RECYCLING IN DECEMBER/JANUARY

Tuesday 22nd December 2015

WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL RECYCLING CENTRES BRAY, WICKLOW, ARKLOW, AVOCA & RAMPERE RECYCLING CENTRES

All centres will be open as normal up to & including Wednesday 23rd December 2015 Centres will be closed for Christmas from Thursday 24th December to Monday 28th December 2015 and Re-Open on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th December 2015 Centres will close again for New Year’s on Thursday 31st December and Friday 1st January 2016 NORMAL OPENING HOURS RESUME FROM 2nd JANUARY 2016.

Bray Recycling Centre Beechwood Close, Boghall Road Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am–4pm Sat 9.30am–2pm

Stop Food Waste this Christmas and for the New Year

Make 2015 a waste free zone in the kitchen!

Food waste increases by a massive 80% during the Christmas and most of it ends up in landfill. Add to this all the energy used to produce, package, transport and deliver the food to our homes and we have a very, very wasteful Christmas.

While some food waste is composted most ends up in the bin. About 1/3 of all the food we buy gets thrown out!!

On average, wasted food costs each Irish household €700 a year. For some households this can be over €1,000!

You can save money and the planet all in one go!

For our ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ Cookbook, using leftovers to extend your Christmas Cheer – check our website: www.wicklow.ie or email us at eao@wicklowcoco.ie / phone 1890 222276 Go to www.StopFoodWaste.ie and check out how to….. ✔ Buy Better ✔ Get Savvy with Storage ✔ And Start some Canny Cooking with their Recipes

PLEASE NOTE CHANGED DATES Please use the Wicklow County Council Recycling Centers as an alternative FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH Time

Location

Venue

10am-12pm

Blessington

Road adjacent to Blessington Community College

Dunlavin

Stephens Street THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

10am-12pm

Hollywood

Baltinglass Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs 8.30am–4pm Fri 8.30am–3pm Sat 8.30am–1pm

DATE

TIME

Arklow

Arklow Recycling Centre, Croghan Industrial Estate

4th to 16th January

Mon-Fri: 9.30am-3pm Sat: 9.30am-1pm

Aughrim

Tidy Towns Pavillion

4th to 16th January

Mon-Sat: 9am-4pm

Avoca

Avoca Recycling Centre

6th to 16th January

Tues-Fri: 10am-1pm & 2pm-4pm Donations taken for Local Charity

Baltinglass

Rampere Landfill & Recycling Centre

4th to 16th January

Mon-Fri: 8.30am-3pm Sat: 8.30 am - 12pm

Blessington

County Council Yard, Naas Road

4th to 16th January

10am-4pm

Bray

Bray Recycling Centre, Beechwood Close, Boghall Road

4th to 16th January

Mon-Fri: 9.30am-3pm Sat: 9.30am -1pm

Bray

Festina Lente Foundation, Old Connaught Avenue

4th to 16th January

10am-4pm Daily

Greystones

Carpark in front of the Wicklow County Council Offices on Mill Road opposite the bottle banks

4th to 16th January

Glen of the Downs

Horkan’s Garden & Lifestyle Centre

4th to 16th January

10am-4pm Daily

Hollywood

Church Park, Hollywood

2nd January Donations in aid of Tidy Towns

10am-12md

Wicklow

The Murrough Recycling Centre, Wicklow

4th to 16th January

Mon-Fri: 9am-3pm Sat: 9.30am -1pm

Wicklow

Green King, Coolbeg (road opp. Beehive)

4th to 16th January

Mon-Fri: 8am-5.30pm Sat: 9am-1pm

Wicklow

Wicklow Rugby Club Girl’s team will collect trees for shredding from your house in Wicklow Town for a donation of E5. Text or phone to book a collection on 089 4195253

8th & 10th January only

Opposite School Carpark

Only plastic bottles, newspapers and textiles may be brought to the Households Mobile Recycling collection.

No commercial materials or waste may be brought.

Materials for recycling may not be brought to these locations outside of the stated collection times.

Materials for recycling may only be placed in a designated container or with a service provider.

To leve materials for recycling or mided waste at one of these locations is dumping and offenders will be liable to litter fines or prosecution.

The Mobile Recycling Service is provided by Greenstar under contract to Wicklow County Council

For further information on reducing household waste contact: The Environmental Education Office, Wicklow County Council.

Phone: 1890 22 22 75, e-mail: eao@wicklowcoco.ie

Cardboard, Plastic, Glass, Aluminium Drinks Cans, Steel Food Cans, Milk and Juice Beverage Cartons (Tetrapaks), Newspapers and Magazines, Cards, Calendars, Diaries, Wrapping Paper, Phone Books, Mobile Phones and Batteries, Clothes & Textiles, Books, Stamps, Electrical Goods, Fluorescent Tubes and Light Bulbs

LOCATION

SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH 10am-12pm

MATERIALS ACCEPTED AT ALL RECYCLING CENTRES:

CHRISTMAS TREE SHREDDING JANUARY 2016

And why not decide to compost in the new year!………..

HOUSEHOLDERS MOBILE RECYCLING COLLECTIONS FOR PLASTIC BOTTLES, NEWSPAPERS & TEXTILES

Rampere Recycling Centre

Ballymurtagh Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am–4.30pm Fri 9am-3.30pm Sat 9am–1.45pm Closed for lunch every day 1pm-2pm

Awareness Office, FOR FURTHER Environmental Wicklow County Council INFORMATION: T: 1890 222 276

You can also get this information from the Environmental Awareness Office, Wicklow County Council : phone 1890 22 22 76.

Christmas leftover recipes and a clever menu planner is available on www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

And while you are doing something to save on food waste…get going on composting the kitchen and garden waste as well.

Composting is easy! Composters and information on composting is available through the Wicklow County Council Recycling Centres or call 1890 22 22 76

Avoca Recycling Centre

Croghan Industrial Estate Emoclew Road Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am–4.30pm Fri 9am-3.30pm Sat 9am–1.45pm

The Murrough Recycling Centre

The Murrough, Wicklow Town Opening Hours: Mon - Thurs 9am–4.30pm Fri 9am–3.30pm Sat 9am–1.45pm Closed for lunch every day 1pm-2pm

Arklow Recycling Centre

New Year Sales edition wicklowvoice.ie

ADVERTISING| 19

food in wicklow

20| ADVERTISING

wicklowvoice.ie New Year Sales edition

December Line Up

Thurs 24th

The Covers Caoimhe Barry Cian Gallagher Andrew Mann Trio Ivan Nicolas

Sat 26th Sun 27th

Martello Late Bar with DJ Niall Donnelly Trio

Mon 28th Tues 29th Weds 30th Thurs 31st

Fergus Nolan & Friends Niall Donnelly Colm Lynch Higher Ground

Mon 21st Tues 22nd Weds 23rd

OPEN LATE EVERY NIGHT *Except December 24th & 25th 47 Strand Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow | 01 286 8000 | www.TheMartello.ie

ADVERTISING |21

New Year Sales edition wicklowvoice.ie

I am a first time General Election Candidate for Fianna Fáil for our constituency.

I want to use my business know-how in creating and sustaining jobs, together with my eleven years as a County Councillor to give Wicklow the strong and louder voice it needs - and is not currently getting My priorities in working for a Positive Future for Wicklow are:

• Abolish the farce that is Irish Water • New and sustainable jobs We need to maximise the opportunities that exist in our county such as film production, tourism and agribusiness

• Crime prevention Restore the Garda strength with a real recruitment drive and not a spin on numbers

• Care for the Elderly Roll back the savage cuts to give the elderly their deserved respect and rightful dues

• Improve health services Reverse the devastating cuts and the scandal of waiting lists

to

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wicklowvoice.ie New Year Sales edition

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New Year Sales edition wicklowvoice.ie

insideback

with Brian Quigley

Reeling in the year

What a fantastic year 2015 has been for sport in Wicklow, and it doesn’t look like there will be any let up in 2016, so fasten your seat-belts!

There have been so many great moments delivered by our teams and individuals this year that it would be impossible to choose a favourite.

Greystones golfer Paul Dunne leading the British Open after three rounds, as an amateur.

Then going on to win a full Tour Card for 2016.

Stephanie Roche mixing it with Ronaldo and Messi at the FIFA Puskas Awards.

Stephanie is from Shankill but she is a good friend to many in Wicklow, not to mention a role model to our young.

Katie Taylor, another role model, a living legend, continued to dominate her sport as she prepares for the Olympic Games in Rio. The list goes on.

Kilcoole AC’s Fionnuala McCormack - also Rio bound – leading the Irish ladies to European cross-country bronze for the second year in a row.

Staying with running, Shanganagh parkrun started this year, bringing the world’s fastest-growing sporting phenomenon right to the doorstep of our county.

Bray cricketer Ed Joyce, breaking the highest batting score for an Irishman in a single innings with a mammoth 231 against the United Arab

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Emirates in Malahide in June.

Ed retired from Twenty20 cricket this year but will continue to play for Ireland at One Day International [ODI] cricket. Newtown United, a junior football club playing in the Wicklow League, beat the mighty Shelbourne in the Leinster Senior Cup and only went out to another giant, Bohemians.

Bray Wanderers had a season that surpassed expectations and only exited the FAI Cup at semi-final stage to Cork City.

The last time Wanderers lost to Cork in the FAI Cup semis (in 1989) they went on to win it the following year!

In rugby Greystones have been continually near the top of

“

There have been so many great moments delivered by our teams and individuals this year that it would be impossible to choose a favourite...

their division all year.

Hopefully 2016 will be their year to move up to Division 2A of the All Ireland Rugby League.

Our school sides will be in rugby action early in the new year at a provincial level, with St Gerards, Presentation College Bray and Scoil Chonglais Baltinglass competing in the Leinster Schools Cups. Good luck to all.

In the other rugby code, Rugby League came to Wicklow and the Ireland team will be based in Bray’s Carlisle Grounds.

Another honour for our county.

It’s been another exciting year in county GAA, and both Bray Emmets and Rathnew (the county senior hurling and senior football champions) flew the flag for the county with distinction in the Leinsters.

Wicklow won all-Ireland glory in the Under 21 B Hurling Championship, defeating Meath in Semple Stadium to lift their first Richie McElligott Cup. Well done to them, and best of luck to our county footballers and hurlers in their respective 2016 Allianz National League competitions.

All of the exciting adventures and brilliant achievements mentioned above make the job of writing Inside Back an absolute pleasure for me as a proud Wicklow man.

Have a happy holiday and see you in 2016!

Antonella Di Palo and MariaRosa Riccio from Caffé Letterario Gatta Mera in Bray.

Pic by Oisin McFarland Smith

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wicklowvoice.ie New Year Sales edition